Palantir names former GOP congressman Mike Gallagher defense chief

Palantir Technologies has tapped former Wisconsin GOP congressman Mike Gallagher to lead its defense business, the company announced today.

“We are thrilled to welcome former Congressman @RepGallagher to help lead our defense business as we enter the next stage of growth as a software prime,” the company said in a statement posted to social platform X.

Gallagher left the House in April, having declared he would do so in March after previously announcing he would not seek re-election. He joined the House in 2017 and spent his last year leading the newly minted House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. He also served on the House Armed Services Committee

Gallagher, one of Congress’ best-known China hawks who has signaled support for Taiwan’s independence, was sanctioned by Beijing in May.

Since leaving Congress, Gallagher has become a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute and chair of the Midwest Defense Forum at the Sagamore Institute.

“Mike’s unique talents have helped to shape U.S. policy towards our adversaries. I am delighted he is joining Palantir, and I am certain he will play an invaluable role for Palantir and our mission partners,” CEO Alex Karp said in a statement announcing Gallagher’s hiring.